The 20 Types Of Messages (classified And Explained)
There are many messages that we can send and receive throughout the day, even without realizing it. There are so many ways to convey a message that we could create an endless classification of message types.
Next we will present a list with the classification of message types taking into account several criteria such as the technical medium, the content, the form of language used or the meaning involved.
The main types of messages and their characteristics
The term “message” has many meanings, but the main and most characteristic one is the one that refers to a series of symbols, signs and/or signals that make communication possible It is understood that the message is both the content of the communication and its form, which contains the information that the sender wants to make known using one type of media or another to influence a certain audience.
Below we present the main types of messages according to various criteria.
Types of messages according to the language route
These are the main types of messages depending on which language channel is used.
1. Verbal messages
Verbal messages are the prototype of the message that comes to mind when we talk about them. These are messages in which words are used, whether written or spoken, using a language in its oral or written format An oral conversation is a classic example of verbal communication, as is having a conversation through messaging chats.
2. Iconic messages
Iconic messages present an icon, that is, any type of image that allows a message to be conveyed We have an example of this type of message in the “no smoking” sign, which consists of a lit cigarette after the drawing that says it is prohibited, that is, a red circle with a diagonal line.
Iconic verbal messages are any in which images are mixed with texts Through them, information can be transmitted more effectively, and an internationally known example is the “STOP” sign itself, in which that word is combined with a red octagon.
4. Sign messages
They are the messages used by deaf, deaf-mute and deafblind people, serving them to establish effective communication in the face of the impossibility of being able to use oral forms of language
According to the sensory channel
We can identify five main types of messages depending on the sensory pathway that is involved.
5. Auditory messages
The message and the information it contains is transferred through the ear canal that is, the message will be heard.
6. Visual messages
The message is perceived through sight. We have examples of this type of message in written texts, the hello gesture or the “no entry” sign.
7. Gustatory messages
Information is sent through taste. This is a type of message that, at first, may seem strange and unusual to us, but, really, we are recipients of gustatory messages daily When we eat something, let’s say a banana, and we notice that it has a strange flavor, we interpret it as being in bad condition and it is not convenient to eat it.
8. Olfactory messages
They are the messages that are received through smell. We have a good example of this in the communication by pheromones that is found in some species which give the signal to their receiver to behave in a certain way, usually for reproductive purposes.
9. Touch messages
Tactile messages are those in which, basically, information is transmitted through touch Examples of communication with this type of message are found in reading the Braille system, caressing someone to give them our support or giving a touch.
Depending on the technical means used
Below we will see the main types of messages according to the technical medium used, whether in physical or electronic format.
Printed messages They are those that are shown in paper format, this is physical like those we see in a newspaper, a brochure, a magazine, a book…
Related article: “The 13 types of text and their characteristics”
11. Sound or radio messages
Sound messages are those that They are transmitted using electronic waves as support, being captured by some type of device that converts it into sound They are the messages that we emit and receive when we talk on the phone or while listening to the radio.
12. Audiovisual messages
Audiovisual messages combine the visual and the auditory They correspond to those we see and hear while watching television or being at the movies.
13. Cyber messages
cyber messages are those transmitted and reached through devices that use the Internet, such as computers, mobile phones or tablets These are any of the types of messages that we have seen before but in the cyber world, whether “printed” like a virtual magazine, radio like a podcast or audiovisual like YouTube videos.
You may be interested: “The psychology behind social networks: the unwritten code of behavior”
According to its content
Below we see the messages according to the content.
14. Persuasive messages
By persuasive message we refer to any communication that aims to influence others to convince about something. The messages sent by politicians, for example, are an example of this type of message. These can be divided into advertising messages and propaganda messages.
It is an advertising message anyone seeking to promote a certain product, service, brand or business With them, promotions, contests, launches, offers and any other event that is expected to awaken the interest of potential consumers are disseminated.
On the other hand, in propaganda, which also aims to influence its audience, It is intended to instill an idea, an opinion or point of view on a public matter trying to convince people to support a public cause.
Related article: “The 5 differences between advertising and propaganda”
Informative messages are those that inform logically, clearly and as objectively as possible about events that have happened or are happening. It is the type of messages disseminated through media such as newspapers, television news or history books
16. Interrogative messages
Interrogative messages are those in which one or more questions are explicitly included. These types of messages usually start a conversation expecting the interlocutor to give an answer to the question initially asked.
17. Opinion messages
Opinion messages, as their name indicates, are any in which an opinion is given about a specific topic or issue to be discussed. We have examples of this type of message in gossip programs, culinary critiques, and political rallies.
18. Cultural messages
Cultural messages are similar to informational messages, only here specific information is given about how members of a culture or ethnic group behave, in addition to aspects related to the artistic world. They reveal what type of norms, customs, practices, musical style and other aspects that are characteristic of a culture.
19. Educational messages
Educational messages have the objective of teaching certain content, influencing and modifying the system of beliefs, values and knowledge of the person on whom it affects. With them The aim is to expand the knowledge of the interlocutors, whether in writing, orally or through audiovisual materials
20. Sexual messages
The content of this type of message is sexual, either through verbal language or through different technological means such as videos or risqué messages.
